From both ecological and economical perspectives, electric traction is the most favorable type of power supply for railways. Its reliability depends to a large degree on the contact lines, which have to operate safely under all relevant climatic conditions, needing as little maintenance as possible. Particularly extreme demands are made if overhead contact lines are expected to ensure safe power transmission to electric traction vehicles travelling at speeds over 300 km/h. The authors have used their world-wide experience to provide a clear and comprehensive description of the configuration, mechanical and electrical design, installation and operation of contact lines for electric railways on local and long-distance transportation systems. The book provides students and those embarking on a career in this field with a detailed description of the subject, including the electromechanical and structural requirements. Railway company professionals and manufacturers of contact line systems will find practical guidance in the planning and implementation of systems, as well as appropriate specifications and the technical data they will need, including standards and regulations. Since large sections of the book are dedicated to the system aspects, consultant engineers can also use it as a basis for designing systems and interfaces to other subsystems of electric railway engineering.